The countdown to the biggest event in the Financial Planning calendar is under way, as plans are detailed for the IFP's Annual Conference.
Themed 'Back to the Future', it's expected to be a sell out yet again this year as leaders in the profession from the UK and overseas will gather at the five star Celtic Manor Resort from 30 September to 2 October.
The conference is well known for attracting outstanding speakers from all over the world and the line- up this year includes US Financial Planning expert Bill Bachrach and a former head of MI5. Household names many of them are not, but it's the calibre of the expertise and ideas that they bring to conference which is where the real value lies as they share invaluable life and professional experiences.
The theme of 'Back to the Future' has been chosen for this the 27th annual conference, which will be focussing on the past, present and future of Financial Planning. IFP corporate members AXA Wealth and Architas are conference lead sponsors, with the event also backed by dozens of IFP corporate members and supporters.
Nick Lee, head of strategic partnerships at AXA Wealth, said: "The IFP has been at the forefront of developing the professional standing and the reputation of the Financial Planning profession.
"Its annual conference is a key event for the Financial Planning profession, bringing together expertise and thought leadership from across the spectrum - we're delighted to be involved."
Key to the success of the event is the conference committee, a dedicated group of Financial Planners and Paraplanners who work for many months to ensure a relevant and topical agenda. This year the committee is chaired by Tina Weeks from Serenity Financial Planning.
As Tina Weeks explained: "This year's theme will highlight how much change we have gone through and how much optimism and excitement there is in the world of Financial Planning.
"I am hearing day after day that advisers are more excited about the role and having more fun than ever before. This year's conference aims to take that enthusiasm and spread it as far as we can. It's three days packed full of accelerated learning, thought provoking personal growth and selfless sharing."
Dennis Hall from Yellowtail, Damien Rylett from Brunel Capital Partners, Mike MacLeod CFP^CM from Everett MacLeod and Cathi Harrison CFP^CM from Para-Sols complete the committee. Their experience means that they are ideally placed to ensure that the conference contains the right mix of relevant topics, sessions and speakers that will inspire, inform and motivate.
The committee also follows up on feedback from the previous year's conference to ensure that delegates' needs are met most effectively. Mr Rylett said: "We know that IFP members have been operating in line with RDR principles for many years. At conference we'll be looking at the detail of what's working well, sharing those ideas and golden nuggets which can make such a difference."
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One new feature will be a planner- led track aimed at sharing best practice. Some of the pioneers of the profession in the UK, most of whom are former IFP Presidents, will join a former David Norton Award winner to talk about how they run their businesses and keep beating clients' expectations, as well as engaging in some Q&A.
Kicking off on Monday will be a session exclusively for Accredited Financial Planning Firms and coverage of the 'Great Minds Think Alike' campaign. As usual, the IFP annual general meeting will be held exclusively for IFP members and all members are invited to attend to find out what's been going on within the IFP over the past year and question key IFP personnel. There will also be optional CPD sessions, workshops and the usual highly interactive exhibition where delegates have the chance to ask questions and find out about dozens of products and services relevant to their needs. The day will end with the welcome dinner and entertainment.
Day two starts with the opening speech and presentation of awards from IFP President Rebecca Taylor FIFP CFP^CM. The most prestigious of these is the David Norton 'Building Excellence' award. Named in memory of a former IFP President and founder this is given to the firm with the most potential to become a great Financial Planning firm. Last year's winner was Cooper Parry, following on from previous winners Fiscal Engineers, BoulterBowen WealthCare, Capital Asset Management and PageRussell.
Other awards include Paraplanner of the Year, last year awarded to Jane Holt from Mackenzie Financial Planning and Branch Chairman of the Year, last year awarded to Claire Menni. Ms Menni said: "The best bits of the IFP conference are the truly outstanding speakers and the learning and best practice we share, I'd definitely recommend that people attend."
The Jonathon Timms Award recognises the most outstanding CFP^CM certification candidate, previously awarded to Linda Boynton CFP^CM from Rouse Ltd. Finally, the Tony Sellon 'Good Egg' Award which recognises those who made an outstanding contribution to the development of the Financial Planning profession. In 2012 this award was given to Shane Mullins from Fiscal Engineers for his work on the Question of Trust campaign.
Keynote speakers this year include Bill Bachrach, Derek Mills and former MI5 head Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller. Mr Bachrach will talk about his Values Based Financial Planning® business model which looks at how Financial Planners can build high-trust relationships post-RDR. Mr Mills is author of 'The 10-second Philosophy' and will share ideas on setting standards and how this can help achieve success. Baroness Manningham-Buller was head of MI5 between 2002 and 2007 when she led the organisation through the wake of 9/11 and the Al Qaeda threat. She will focus on managing change under pressure and the need for frank dialogue and criticism. According to Ms Weeks: "My personal favourite is Derek Mills who will change everything you believe about goal setting."
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As well as the keynote speakers, there are dozens of concurrent track sessions taking place over the three days, posing a problem for delegates who often report wanting to attend all four! Track speakers include Daniel Priestley on being a Key Person of Influence, Mark Polson from platform consultants the lang cat, Tony Wickenden from Technical Connection and Michelle Hoskin from Standards International. By popular request The Fringe returns; the lively, informal stage for planners and other experts to share tips and ideas in the exhibition hall often with a good dose of humour. The Gala Dinner on Tuesday night also provides a great chance for delegates to relax and network with peers in a more social setting.
Sue Whitbread, the IFP's communications director, said: "We work really hard to make sure that the event continues to exceed delegates' expectations and adds real value for them as professionals. This year we're particularly excited about the conference. Since RDR, the need to differentiate what you do has been essential for Financial Planning professionals. During the conference, we'll be looking at the bigger picture, how taking time to work on what you do and how you do it will lead to an even better service for clients and a more profitable and enjoyable career for those delivering it."
A change this year, based on feedback from 2012, will be a requirement for delegates to pre- register online for sessions. This follows on from feedback last year and will ensure that everyone who wants to attend each session can do so - and comfortably.
The final day will see track and CPD sessions as well as the final keynote. The real value of the conference experience lies in other areas as well as the formal programme. While the quality of this is never in doubt, it's truly unique feature is the way the event generates the sharing of ideas between delegates. It's the ideal way to meet like-minded Financial Planners and share best practice, meet Financial Planning stalwarts and find new ideas and inspiration. It's also a chance to catch up with friends and make new ones, earn CPD and gain new insights.
Commenting on last year's conference, Carolyn Gowen FIFP CFP^CM from Bloomsbury Wealth said: "To take three days out of the office is a huge investment in time but it's worth every minute. I enjoy the range of speakers and the quality of them as well as catching up with friends."
Apart from the conference itself delegates can enjoy the first class facilities of the hotel including world class golf, a luxury spa, gym, fine dining and wonderful walks.
An early-bird discount of 10 per cent is available until 31 May, reducing to five per cent in June. There is also a discount for firms who book for three or more colleagues.

For more information and to book tickets and accommodation visit the dedicated IFP conference website at www.financialplanning.org.uk/ annual-conference